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How to Remove a White Ring on Pool Tile

By Pheori Wiley

Owning a pool provides a luxury that many people enjoy; unfortunately, pool owners do not enjoy that ugly white ring that tends to form on the pool tile. This white ring can cause the pool to appear unkempt and can take away from the pleasure and beauty of a pool. Though some cases of the white ring can become severe and might require harsh chemicals or a professional pool technician, take steps to remedy milder cases with some simple supplies found at most pool supply stores.

White Vinegar

Moisten the tile with clean water from your garden hose. Wet the area sufficiently but not too much to reduce the effectiveness of the scrub pad.

Gently scrub the area with a scrub brush to loosen all the dirt and other deposits present.

Rinse the area well.

Wet a nylon scrub pad with white vinegar.

Scrub the area and try to loosen and remove the buildup---in most mild cases, tan easy task.

Rinse well. If you have not removed the ring, move on to a stronger cleaning option.

Grout Haze Remover

Use a grout haze remover for cases of more moderate buildup. While designed to remove grout residue, this tool can be also help you rid your pool tile of the white ring.

Rinse the area well after scrubbing it with the grout haze remover. If you have not removed the ring, try a stronger cleaning option.

Take the edge of a putty knife and gently scrape the white ring off. If after a few gentle attempts it has not moved, then try a phosphoric acid--based grout cleaner.

Phosphoric Acid--Based Grout Cleaner

Wear gloves and follow the grout cleaner manufacturer's instructions.

Clean the tile with a scrub pad; you may have to apply a little pressure in order to get the white ring to come off.

Scrub with a brush and grout cleaner again, making sure that the majority of the cleaner gets onto the white ring.

Things You Will Need

Scrub brush

Nylon scrub pad

Plain white vinegar

Grout haze remover

Phosphoric acid--based heavy-duty tile and grout cleaner

Putty knife

Baking soda

Tips

Neutralize the acid on the affected area by sprinkling with baking soda and flushing with cool, clean water. This will help to stop the acid process after you have finished cleaning the area.

If you still have not removed the ring, consider having it removed by a professional pool cleaning service, which will have special chemicals to use for removal of the ring. Thereafter, keep up with pool maintenance to avoid having to clean the ring again.

Resources

About the Author

Pheori Wiley is a freelance writer who has written articles for Helium and Associated Content, among others. She has been writing professionally since 2003 and has used her knowledge of programming, Web development and auto repair to share in her writing what she learns from her day-to-day adventures.